The discovery of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, in Assam is a landmark event in the history of Indian agriculture and the global tea industry. It was in the year 1823 that Camellia sinensis var. assamica—the indigenous tea variety of Assam—was first identified.
Camellia sinensis was discovered in Assam in 1823 by Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer. He encountered the plant growing wild in the Brahmaputra Valley. The discovery of Camellia sinensis in 1834 in Assam was followed by testing in 1836–37 in London. The British allowed companies to rent land from 1839 onwards. Thereafter tea plantations proliferated in Eastern Assam, where the soil and the climate were most suitable.
Key Facts:
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Year of Discovery: 1823
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Discovered By: Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer
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Location: Near Sadiya in Upper Assam
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Plant Identified: Camellia sinensis var. assamica (a native variety distinct from Chinese tea)
Robert Bruce reportedly learned from the local Singpho tribes that they had long been cultivating and consuming tea from wild plants growing in the forests. His brother, Charles Alexander Bruce, later collected specimens and helped initiate scientific cultivation.
Significance of the Discovery:
This finding laid the foundation for the Assam Tea Industry, which today is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world. It also shifted global attention from Chinese tea to Indian tea, especially under British colonial efforts.
Did You Know?
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Assam is the only region in the world with native tea plants used for large-scale commercial cultivation.
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The discovery of Camellia sinensis in Assam helped India break China's monopoly on tea during the 19th century.
Conclusion:
The discovery of Camellia sinensis in Assam in 1823 was more than a botanical finding—it was the beginning of a global tea revolution. This indigenous plant transformed Assam into a world-renowned tea hub, shaping the economy, culture, and global identity of the region.
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